Ahoy there! Your piece on concocting your own full-strength bleach from pool shock is a fine bit of practical knowledge, especially for us sea-faring folks who often find ourselves battling the elements and needing to ensure our drinkable water is safe.
I've been living aboard for many a tide and let me tell you, having a long-lasting solution for clean water is as crucial as having a steady keel. Your instructions are clear as a calm sea, but I've got a bit of wisdom to add from my years under full sail.
When handling pool shock, remember it's a powerful oxidizer. In layman's terms, it can start a fire if it comes into contact with organic material, like your clothes or a wooden spoon. Use a stainless-steel spoon or better yet, a glass stirrer for the mixing process. It's a detail, but one that could save you from a nasty surprise.
Also, a tip for my fellow liveaboards and survivalists: pool shock can be corrosive to metal, so store it well away from your essential boat equipment to prevent unnecessary damage.
A final thought: if you're out at sea and run out of test strips, remember that too much hypochlorite can be as harmful as none. Without a way to measure, it's better to err on the side of caution and use less.
In the end, it all boils down to being prepared and adaptable, whether you're battening down the hatches for a storm or making your own bleach. Keep these tidbits in mind and you'll be pushing off the dock with confidence, ready to tackle whatever high tide adventures await you.
